The Mikey Milano Interview
Mikey Milano is a fairly new discovery in the Massachusetts music scene. Despite the assumption of greenery, Mikey seems to already have an established sound. I did a write-up one one of his recent singles called Till I Die which features OTA Le and OTA Polo where I said that Mikey embodies commercial quality that doesn’t sacrifice raw emotion. He has immense vocal ability and range and has even sung the National Anthem at Fenway Park. Today, I got the chance to ask the young artist some questions!
Who is Mikey Milano? Talk about your upbringing and where you’re from.
Young artist out of Dorchester, MA . Came up in church and had an ear for music since then. That’s why audiences usually hear a-lot of gospel type riffs and runs in my music due to my upbringing in church. And even though I don’t attend anymore I’m still tied in regard to the sound I give off.
I can definitely hear the gospel influence! Talk about your latest record and what gave you the vision.
The latest record I dropped is not really my best best type of work. I tend to be called a perfectionist by my peers and friends because half the time they rock with a song I made that I don’t like at all. And it’s because I look to perfect my craft as fast as possible and if I feel like the song I created is not moving a crowd how the celebrities before me do, there’s obviously something I’m not doing right that they did to draw the crowd in to listen to them.
I totally understand that. We, as artists, tend to have this fear of never being good enough by our own standards. Where do you normally record? What are your essentials in a studio session?
Well I don’t have a studio I can call home yet, but I usually go to either Phoenix Downs or the Mix Loft. My essentials in the studio is just a positive mindset, a great vibe around me, and preparedness.
Both amazing studios! Those are some great essentials too. I love that they’re all in your control as well. Top 5 artists that you draw inspiration from in no particular order: Go!
Rod Wave
NBA Young Boy
Roddy Ricch
A Boogie
Lil Durk
I definitely hear the influence from some of those artists! What are some long term goals within the music industry?
I really want to have a platinum track/album so that I would have the ground to keep performing in that same area in regards to dropping better music to go even bigger than platinum and so forth. I really want to bring awareness to a lot of things that go on in our world before our eyes that a lot of people still don’t see in the years we live in. I want to wake my people up with my voice.
I love the movement you’re a part of and the message it spreads! Could you speak on MBK a little?
MBK is a program that supports youth and young adults to steer themselves to resort to a better life other than joining gangs and acting on street violence. MBK just doesn’t care if you are an official member of the program and that’s what I appreciate because they reached out to me to help me and I knew nothing about the program until I started to see the genuine love and care they have for the black youth and it’s amazing how it’s all out of the kindness of their hearts because they don’t have to.
That’s truly a beautiful thing and I look forward to working with you and MBK more in the future. What are some of your favorite food spots?
I like Suya - joint in Dudley it’s a great African restaurant.
I enjoy eating El Jefes for a late night food spot
And more but those are my go to.
My next question is a theme for all artists - What is your biggest strength? Growth involves action; What’s something you need to work on to reach the next level?
I feel like my biggest strength is how I can move a crowd with my voice by itself, but once I get better at my word play and being way more lyrical like the greats it would make me highly prepared for the next level for sure.
What’s one thing you wish you could tell your younger self?
I wish I could’ve told my younger self to start making music early because it’s easier to get put on when you’re talented and young. You’re easier to market.
I definitely feel that. We’re seeing a lot of older music acts too like Don Tolliver and MGK. I would say just keep your foot on the gas and don’t ease up. Greatness will come! What’s next for Mikey Milano? Any new music or visuals releasing?
Lots of visuals on the way - will definitely be flooding you guys with lots of content and more music. Stay tuned!